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The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is making minor corrections to a rule about patent fees that was previously published. These changes involve fixing typos and other small errors in the document, ensuring everything is accurate without changing the rule's substance. The corrections aim to prevent confusion by providing the correct information before the rule becomes effective on January 19, 2025. These amendments have been made without public comment since they are administrative and do not alter any major aspects of the rule.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed Consent Decree with a Massachusetts federal court to resolve claims related to environmental damage at the Shpack Landfill Site in Massachusetts. The agreement involves multiple defendants, including Aerosols Danville, Inc., and would require them, along with the Department of Energy, to pay $2.1 million for natural resource restoration and cost assessments. In return, they would receive legal protections under environmental laws. The public has 30 days to comment on the proposed decree, which can be accessed online through the Justice Department's website.

The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor has announced updates to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for temporary nonimmigrant foreign workers (H-2A workers) involved in herding or livestock production on the range. AEWRs are the minimum wages that must be offered to ensure that U.S. workers in similar jobs are not negatively impacted. Starting January 1, 2025, employers must pay H-2A workers at least $2,058.31 per month, based on a 3.8% increase reflected by the Employment Cost Index from September 2023 to September 2024. This notice ensures that wage levels keep up with inflation and maintain fair compensation for these workers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued the 2021 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges from industrial activities. This permit replaces the expired 2015 MSGP and covers eligible operators in areas where the EPA is the permitting authority, including states, Indian country lands, and U.S. territories. The new permit introduces changes such as streamlined language, public signs for permit coverage, and new monitoring requirements. It will be effective from March 1, 2021, and lasts for five years, aiming to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed Partial Consent Decree with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia concerning a lawsuit between the Government of Guam and the United States. In the lawsuit, Guam seeks to recover costs for environmental cleanup activities at the Ordot Dump Superfund Site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The proposed decree requires Guam to pay $3.9 million plus interest to resolve claims for costs incurred up to August 10, 2022, while claims for costs after that date remain unresolved. The public can comment on this proposed agreement within 30 days of the notice's publication.

The Department of Justice has lodged a proposed Consent Decree with the court to settle claims against American Zinc Recycling Corp. for environmental law violations at their facility in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. These claims involve federal laws such as the Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Water Act, and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, along with several Pennsylvania state laws. Under the Consent Decree, the company must implement new pollution control measures and pay a $3.3 million penalty, split between the U.S. and Pennsylvania. There is a public comment period on the Consent Decree, during which the document can be reviewed online or requested by mail.

The Department of Justice announced a proposed legal agreement, or consent decree, in a lawsuit against The Dow Chemical Company, Union Carbide Corp, and Performance Materials, NA, Inc. The lawsuit, filed under the Clean Air Act, accuses these companies of violating environmental regulations at their plants in Louisiana and Texas. The proposed consent decree outlines a requirement for the companies to carry out corrective actions, pay a $3 million fine, and complete environmental projects in Louisiana. The public is invited to comment on this proposal until 30 days after the announcement.

The Executive Order 14223, issued by the President, directs an investigation into whether imports of timber, lumber, and related products pose a threat to national security. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with examining factors such as domestic production capacity, foreign competition, and the impact of subsidies and trade practices on the U.S. industry. The order aims to secure domestic supply chains of these products crucial for both military and civilian uses. Findings and recommendations for protective actions are to be reported to the President within 270 days.

The Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree with PennEnergy Resources, LLC, related to a lawsuit over Clean Air Act violations at its facilities in Pennsylvania. The alleged violations involve improper design and maintenance of vapor control systems, leading to air pollution. Under the decree, PennEnergy must enhance its facilities' systems, undertake an environmental project, and pay a $2 million penalty. The public can comment on this decree within 30 days, and the details are available on the Justice Department's website.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve updates to Kansas's State Implementation Plan (SIP) and Operating Permits Program. The revisions involve new fee schedules for Class I and Class II operating permits to ensure adequate funding and consistent regulations with federal standards. The EPA states these changes will not negatively affect air quality and invites public comments on this proposal until February 14, 2025. Additionally, the proposal includes specific revisions to fee structures and emission inventory requirements for operating permits starting from calendar year 2025.